The Penis – All you need to know
There are many myths surrounding the size and shape of penises – the truth, however, is that there are various shapes and sizes, and all of them are normal. Often, individuals are worried about if there is an average penis size, a certain size or shape that allows for better intercourse or orgasms – there is no “bad” shape or size. In this section, we will talk about the different factors of a penis that help determine its shape and size.
The penis is primarily made of spongy tissue that fills up with blood during an erection. There are different parts to the penis – the head (glans), the shaft (corpus), and the foreskin (prepuce), if not circumcised. The semen exits the body through the urethra and then runs through the penis. These parts of the penis together influence its length and girth. So ideally speaking, penises aren’t of different shapes, instead, there are a variety of lengths and thicknesses.
Penis Length
The length of the penis differs when it’s erect or flaccid. So, is there an average penis size? As per a recent research study, most males believe the average penis length to be 6 inches or 15.2 cm. This impression has most likely been influenced by studies that were using self-reporting measurements. The fact, however, is that the average is a much smaller number.
Research has suggested that an erect penis can vary from 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). However, the average penis size is 3 – 3.5 inches (about 7-8 cms) when flaccid and 12.9 cm (5.1 in) during an erection. When it comes to sex, the size of the penis does not matter. Preferences, on the other hand, are personal.
In 2007, researchers revealed a table on penis dimensions from different countries around the world. Their research revealed that the lengths of flaccid penises ranged from 2.8-3.9 inches and erect penises ranged from 4.7-6.3 inches.
Curvature
While some penises are straight when erect, some have what’s called a curved penis – in three different ways, curved upward, curved downward, or curved left or right. While this is normal in individuals, in some cases an abnormal curvature can be a symptom of Peyronie’s disease.
Base-to-head ratio
When it comes to the base of the penis to the head of the penis ratio – there are two possibilities, a bigger base with a narrow head or a narrow base with a larger head.
Morning Erections
Men usually have three to five erections during the night with each erection lasting 25–35 minutes. It is a natural occurrence and is not necessarily a sexually driven process. The rigidity and duration of these erections, however, decrease with age. An early morning erection is the last erection of the 3-to 5 erections and men occasionally discover the erection when they are awake in the morning. There are a lot of explanations for men getting morning erections which include a raised testosterone level in the morning, sexual dreams, and a full urinary bladder.
These dawn erections can occur at any age, and can even provide insight into erectile dysfunction. ED can be physical or psychological, and if an individual experiences morning erections but has erectile dysfunction, professionals can gather that the root cause of their ED is most likely a psychological concern.
Should you worry about the duration of morning erections? Yes. Priapism can occur – this is a condition where an erection is sustained for about 2-3 hours or more, this is dangerous and can lead to irreversible penile dysfunction. Morning erection typically subsides as soon as the individual wakes up.
How To Measure Your Penis?
There are different methods to measure penis size, with the aid of different devices used in different positions and penis states (flaccid, and erect). Following are the devices that can be used:
- Measuring tape
- Rigid ruler
How to measure penis length?
Penis length is measured from the pubic bone to the tip of the glans penis.
Use a ruler or a measuring tape to measure your penis in both the erect and flaccid resting state
Position the preferable device at the base of your penis pressing into the pubic bone as much as you can.
Measure from the pubic bone to the penis tip.
How to measure penis girth (thickness)?
Girth/circumference/thickness is measured at the mid-shaft point of the penis.
Use a soft measuring tape or a non-elastic string to measure penis girth
Wrap a preferable device around the thickest part of the penis shaft while
erect
Mark where the end of the tape meets to get an accurate number. If a string was used, mark it with a rule or your finger, and stretch it out on a ruler to get the number.
Anxiety About Penis Size
The size of a man’s penis is a topic that is often shrouded in shame, embarrassment, and even anxiety. The anxiety around penis size is not limited to men who believe their penises are too small but can also affect men who are satisfied with the size of their penises but still feel insecure about it. This anxiety can cause psychological distress, which can significantly affect the individual’s quality of life.
The anxiety around penis size has been linked to a phenomenon known as “penis dysmorphic disorder” (PDD). PDD is a type of body dysmorphic disorder that affects men who are overly preoccupied with the size of their penises, even if they are within the normal range. Men with PDD tend to perceive their penises as being smaller than they actually are, which can lead to severe anxiety and self-esteem concerns.
The concern of penis size is a complex one that has been extensively researched. The majority of studies on the topic indicate that the size of the penis is a matter of genetic inheritance and that the size of the penis is mostly determined by the amount of testosterone that the body produces during puberty. The average penis size is approximately 5.16 inches (13.12 cm) when erect, with a range of 3.94 inches (10 cm) to 6.69 inches (17 cm).
Despite this knowledge, many men are still anxious about their penis size. This anxiety can be fueled by unrealistic media portrayals of male bodies, which often feature idealized, muscular men with disproportionately large penises. It is important to recognize that these images are unrealistic and do not represent the average male body.
Fortunately, there are ways to address anxiety around penis size. One of the most effective ways is to seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling. These therapies can help individuals address their underlying psychological concerns and provide them with strategies to manage their anxiety.
Another way to address anxiety around penis size is to engage in a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can all have a positive impact on overall health and well-being, including sexual health.
It is also essential to remember that penis size is not the most important factor in sexual satisfaction. Studies have shown that other factors, such as emotional connection, sexual technique, and communication, are more important than penis size in determining sexual satisfaction.
Anxiety around penis size is a common concern that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. It is important to remember that the size of the penis is determined by genetics and that media portrayals of male bodies are unrealistic. Seeking professional help, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and prioritizing other factors in sexual satisfaction can all help to address anxiety around penis size.
What Condom Size Is The Right One For You?
Condoms are an essential part of safe sex practices, and choosing the right condom size is crucial for both comfort and effectiveness. Using a condom that is too small can cause discomfort and increase the risk of breakage, while a condom that is too large can slip off during sex. In this article, I will discuss how to pick the right condom size to ensure a safe and enjoyable sexual experience.
First and foremost, it is important to measure the penis size to determine the correct condom size. The best way to do this is to measure the circumference of the erect penis using a measuring tape. This measurement should be taken at the base of the penis, as this is the widest part. It is essential to measure the penis size accurately to ensure a proper fit.
Once the penis size has been measured, it is important to choose a condom that fits snugly but not too tight. A condom that is too tight can cause discomfort and can increase the risk of breakage. On the other hand, a condom that is too loose can slip off during sex, which defeats the purpose of using a condom in the first place.
There are many different condom sizes available, and it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, most condom brands offer a range of sizes to cater to different penis sizes. Some of the most popular condom brands include Durex, Trojan, and Lifestyles, and each brand offers a variety of sizes.
Some condom brands may have slightly different sizing, so it is important to check the sizing chart provided by the brand. A sizing chart will usually provide the range of penis sizes that a particular condom size is suitable for. For example, Durex offers a range of sizes, from small to extra large, to accommodate different penis sizes.
If you are still unsure about the right condom size, it may be helpful to try out a variety of sizes to determine which one feels most comfortable. It is important to remember that a condom should fit snugly but not too tight, and should not slip off during sex.
In addition to choosing the right condom size, it is important to ensure that the condom is used correctly. This includes checking the expiration date, using a new condom for each sexual encounter, and following the instructions on the package.
Myths About Penis Size
As a society, we have been obsessed with the size of a man’s penis for centuries. From ancient Greek sculptures to contemporary adult films, the size of the male member has been a topic of fascination, admiration, and anxiety. As a result, myths about penis size have emerged, causing confusion and insecurity among men. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common myths about penis size and provide references to support our claims.
Myth 1 : Bigger is Better
Fact : The belief that a bigger penis is better is widespread, but it is not necessarily true. In a study of 323 women, only 60% of participants preferred a larger than average penis, while 38% preferred an average-sized one. Additionally, research shows that women are more likely to achieve orgasm through clitoral stimulation, rather than penetration alone, suggesting that penis size may not be as important as some people think.
Myth 2 :Penis Size is Determined by Race
Fact : Another common myth about penis size is that it is determined by race. However, research shows that there is no significant difference in penis size among different races. A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that the average erect penis length was 5.16 inches, regardless of race.
Myth 3 : Penis Size Cannot be Increased
Fact : Many companies sell products that claim to increase penis size, such as pills, creams, and devices. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. The only proven method of penis enlargement is through surgery, but this carries significant risks and is not recommended unless medically necessary.
Myth 4 :Smaller Penis Size Equals Less Sexual Satisfaction
Fact : Some men believe that having a smaller penis size means they cannot please their partners sexually. However, research shows that penis size is not the most critical factor in sexual satisfaction. Other factors such as communication, intimacy, and sexual technique are more important in achieving sexual satisfaction.
Myth 4 : Penis Size Cannot Change with Age
Fact : Some men believe that their penis size will remain the same throughout their lifetime. However, research shows that penis size can change with age. As men age, they may experience a decrease in testosterone levels, which can cause a decrease in penis size (5). Additionally, conditions such as Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction can also affect penis size.
Myths about penis size can cause anxiety and insecurity among men. However, it is essential to remember that penis size is not the most critical factor in sexual satisfaction. Other factors such as communication, intimacy, and sexual technique are more important. It is also important to seek reliable sources of information and avoid products that claim to increase penis size without scientific evidence.
References
Veale, D., Miles, S., Read, J., & Troglia, A. (2015). Penile morphology in men with penile cancer: A comparative study with healthy controls. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(2), 347-353.
Wylie, K. R., & Eardley, I. (2007). Penile size and the ‘small penis syndrome’. BJU International, 99(6), 1449-1455.
Lever, J., Frederick, D. A., & Peplau, L. A. (2006). Does size matter? Men’s and women’s views on penis size across the lifespan. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 7(3), 129-143
“How to Choose the Right Size Condom.” Planned Parenthood, 28 Feb. 2020, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom/how-choose-right-size-condom.
“Condom Sizes.” Durex, https://www.durex.com/en-us/help-and-support/condom-sizes.
How to Choose the Right Condom Size.” Trojan, https://www.trojanbrands.com/en-us/sexual-health-advice/condom-size-chart.
Herbenick, D., Reece, M., Schick, V., Sanders, S. A., Dodge, B., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2010). Erect Penile Length and Circumference Dimensions of 1,661 Sexually Active Men in the United States. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(7), 2612–2620. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01894.x
Wessells, H., Lue, T. F., & McAninch, J. W. (1996). Penile Length in the Flaccid and Erect States: Guidelines for Penile Augmentation. The Journal of Urology, 156(3), 995–997. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5347(01)65682-9
